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- Verified Buyer
Manadalay goes to Daily, Texas as a producer for a reality TV show; things get complicated, but by teaming up with Imagene and Carter, it turns out better than expected.(Though reviews are inherently subjective, I prefer to provide some organization to my opinions through the use of a personal rubric. The following notes may contain spoilers.)Plot and Setting: 5 -- Plot has many unique elements, no major holes, and a sense of focus. When things don't go as Mandalay plans, it makes it more entertaining to read. Loved how the whole town banded together to McGyver a successful event for Amber. Setting is clear, believable, and consistent. Daily is a strange, but strangely believable, place.Characters: 5 -- Relatable, realistic, interesting, dynamic characters. Even minor characters have depth, as do the relationships between characters. We definitely get to know Mandalay and Imagene, with all their flaws and talents. I enjoyed how they each are not necessarily risk takers, but they encourage each other to step out of their comfort zones. Really loved Imagene's roller coaster ride. We also get to know some of the major characteristics and motivations of both the people in town, and the Hollywood crew. Lots of unique and believable characters and relationships. Loved it.Mechanics and Writing: 5 -- Few, if any, typos or word errors. Intelligent use of 1st person POV. Alternating between Mandalay and Imagene is a surprising but wonderful choice, as they each bring their very different worldviews and perspectives to the story. Skillful writing that adds to the story.Redeeming Value: 5 -- Well-developed, central, uplifting themes. Mandalay realizes how much she has changed from her days of starry idealism, and that success at the cost of good, innocent lives is not what she wants. She stands up to Ursula to protect Amber, even at the cost of her career, and confronts David, even at the cost of the future she had imagined. Imagene learns to be bolder in her life, and that reaching out to help others helps her to not feel so bogged down in grief for her Jack. Sex, alcohol, violence, etc, are not glorified at all, and are really only mentioned as the shady side of Hollywood that the tabloids all hope will bring Amber down.Personal Enjoyment: 5 -- I loved it. It made me feel in all the best ways, and leaves me content and satisfied. New favorite, one I'll definitely read again.
